Conflict and security
Ending the world’s many conflicts may seem like an impossible task. But only if we help developing countries achieve peace, justice and security can we fulfil our aim of eradicating poverty
Conflict can destroy development advances built up over decades, and set back the prospects of further development for years to come
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Security and justice
To ensure lasting, sustainable economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger and our other development goals, we need to look beyond the immediate impact of conflict and violence in developing countries to the underlying causes.
One of the basic functions of government is the provision of security and justice for its citizens. Where these are absent, where insecurity and lawlessness, crime and lack of justice are widespread, then the result is often conflict.
DFID’s programmes aim to help the governments of developing countries build up their capacity to provide security and fair, accessible justice for all their citizens, especially the poor and marginalised.
Preventing conflict
The costs of violent conflict are enormous. It is not only the obvious and immediate toll on lives and property. Development is a victim too.
During the 1990s, half of the countries where life expectancy, income and education went backwards had experienced violent conflict. Of the 34 countries furthest from reaching the Millennium Development Goals, 22 are in the midst of – or emerging from – violent conflict. By 2010, half of the world’s poorest people could be living in states that are experiencing, or at risk of, violent conflict.
In the years ahead there will be mounting pressure on natural resources like land and water. These pressures, aggravated by climate change, might lead to competition and then violence. So it is more essential than ever that we address the causes of violent conflict in order to defeat extreme poverty and achieve the other Millennium Development Goals.
Arms control
Recent figures show that, globally, 740,000 people die each year as a result of armed violence, with two-thirds of those deaths occurring outside war zones. This conflict and violence is often fuelled by the irresponsible trade in weapons.
There are an estimated 650 million small arms already in circulation, fed by a global and often uncontrolled arms trade. These weapons are used both in violent conflict and crime, particularly in poor countries and among poor communities.
DFID works with a range of UK and international partners to reduce the impact of the arms trade on poor people in developing countries.
Building peace
Protracted armed conflict can lead to a vicious spiral in which violence becomes the norm. Even when violent conflict has ended, it can easily flare up again. On average, 40% of conflicts which have ended restart within ten years.
Building peace refers to actions and policies aimed at preventing the outbreak, the recurrence or continuation of armed conflict. It includes a wide range of political, developmental, humanitarian and human rights programmes, both short and long term.
DFID is involved in peacebuilding activities around the globe.
